Power System Coordinator

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Power System Coordinators at the Transmission Control Center (TCC) provide safe and reliable real-time operation of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System (ITS), in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards and established guidelines and procedures. The role directs real-time operations for an assigned area, including switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance, monitoring alarms and equipment conditions, maintaining reliable system voltages, responding to events to isolate faults and restore customer service, notifying affected stakeholders, and directing field employees during switching operations. The TCC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This role works rotating 12-hour shifts that include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may require work outside scheduled hours during callouts, emergencies, and severe weather. The position includes occasional travel and overnight stays fewer than five times per year. Candidates must live within commuting distance of Lithia Springs or be willing to relocate there; relocation assistance may be considered depending on circumstances. The role may be filled at exempt level 4E, 5E, or 6E, depending on the successful candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience. Successful candidates complete five weeks of formal preparation for NERC Transmission Operator Certification, which is required for continued employment. After certification, they complete a structured six-month program consisting of classroom instruction, computer simulation, and on-the-job training with experienced operators. Evening and weekend study is required. Candidates must also complete in-house training and achieve shift readiness, and complete annual NERC compliance training. The position is expected to develop toward Senior Power System Coordinator. It is covered by the company’s Insider Threat Program and involves access to and control over sensitive systems; selected candidates must undergo enhanced screening, including background, drug, and psychological assessments, and obtain CIP and ITP security clearance. Employees must adhere to FERC Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.

Requirements

Must become certified as a NERC Transmission Operator.
Must complete structured in-house training and on-the-job training and achieve shift readiness.
Must complete annual NERC compliance training requirements.
Must pass the Edison Electric Institute System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SO/PD) II Test or have previously been grandfathered for the test requirement.
Must obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance.
Must adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.
Must work a 24x7 rotating shift consisting of 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, holidays, and weekends.
Must be available to work outside normal shift hours during callouts, emergencies, and severe weather events.
Must live within commuting distance of Lithia Springs or relocate to within commuting distance of the metro Atlanta area.
Must be comfortable working indoors and sitting or standing for long periods.
Applicants selected to interview must successfully pass the EEI SO/PD II Test unless previously grandfathered for the requirement.
Team-oriented and comfortable working closely with team members.
Strong customer focus and ability to provide excellent customer service.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under time pressure.
Self-directed, with the ability to learn and apply complex power system monitoring and control software applications.
Ability to remain calm during high-volume activities and system emergencies.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to build trusting relationships through personal integrity, demonstrate commitment to safety, and foster an inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

Engineering or other degree programs or certifications involving electric power systems.
Electric power utility experience in power generation, transmission, distribution, engineering, or construction of transmission lines and substations.
Experience as an operator in a control room environment or working rotating shifts.
Knowledge of electrical systems operations, equipment, procedures, and switching.
NERC Transmission Operator Certification and/or knowledge of the Georgia Integrated Transmission Systems (ITS) Redbook.
Enjoys developing others through on-the-job training and/or formal training.

Responsibilities

Perform daily switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance activities.
Monitor system alarms for loading, outages, and equipment issues.
Maintain system voltages at reliable levels.
Respond to system events in real time to isolate faults and restore service to customers.
Notify affected stakeholders during system events.
Direct field personnel in switching activities during routine and emergency conditions.
Write and issue switching instructions.
Manage clearances on transmission lines and equipment.
Meet NERC Reliability requirements and ensure accurate retention of outage and switching records.
Coordinate transmission resources.
Coordinate generation resources.
Document and track equipment discrepancies.